Combination cleaning fluid nozzle and hydraulically operated hopper for refuse collecting apparatus



March 12, 1968 A J. TORREY 3 372,875

a COMBINATION CLEANING FLUID NOZZLE AND HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED HOPPERFOR REFUSE COLLECTING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 21, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet ll/VVEA/TOR O nZ/zmyd 752"2 9 3 6. 9M

477'01GNEK March 12, 1968 A. J. TORREY 3,372,875

COMBINATION CLEANING FLUID NOZZLE AND HYDRAULICALL-Y OPERATED HOPPER FORREFUSE COLLECTING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 21, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /a#meAuL/c FZU/D 4L SUPRA) mm? 34 1055mm? 9 su pzr 4/ DISINFECIZWT m/vkitiuppzr M 0 Ma -0g 0/5M/FEC7n/V7' 50 m) TANK SUA ZY mm awe/woe.-

Arrokxvix United States Patent 3,372,875 Patented Mar. 12, 1968 Office3,372,875 COMBlNATION CLEANING FLUID NOZZLE AND HYDRAULICALLY OPERATEDHOPPER FOR REFUSE COLLECTING APPARATUS Anthony J. Torrey, 874 EdgcllRoad,

Framingham, Mass. 01701 Filed Oct. 21, 1965, Ser. No. 499,453 14 Claims.(Cl. 239-129) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relatesgenerally to refuse collection apparatus and more particularly to avehicle for both collecting refuse and for cleaning refuse containers.

Vehicles for collecting refuse, such as garbage, trash, etc., andtransporting the same to authorized dumping areas are extensively usedin most cities and towns. The vehicles are driven along a predeterminedcollection route having a large number of individual pickup points ateach of which the operator collects the contents of individual rubbishcontainers. After completion of the route or upon reaching the capacityof the collection vehicle the operator proceeds to the dumping area fordischarge of the collected refuse.

Operations of this type are useful in removing refuse from the numerousaccumulation points which exist in highly populated cities and towns.However, the existing methods and apparatus for the collection are lessthan satisfactory from a hygienic standpoint. The collected refusefrequently includes a content of animal or vegetable matter whichadheres to the surfaces of the rubbish containers and resists detachmentduring normal emptying procedures. This residue material can, of course,provide a breeding ground for disease germs in addition to serving as asource of unpleasant odors and as an attraction for undesirable insectssuch as flies, roaches, etc.

The object of this invention therefore is to provide an improved refusecollection apparatus which functions not only to collect accumulatedrubbish but also to prevent the creation of unsanitary conditions.

One feature of this invention is the provision with a refuse collectionvehicle of a rubbish container cleaning unit having a cleaning fluidsupply tank and a mechanism for generating a fluid pressure at ademountable nozzle connected to the fluid supply tank.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the above featured type having hydraulic powerequipment and wherein the fluid pressure generator includes a fluid pumpdriven by a hydraulic motor coupled to the vehicles hydraulic pressuresystem.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the above featured type ineluding a diverter valveadapted in one position to supply hydraulic fluid to the vehicleshydraulic power equipment and in a second position to supply hydraulicfluid to the hydraulic motor of the cleaning unit.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the above featured type wherein the cleaning unitincludes a regulating valve for maintaining a constant fluid pressure atthe cleaning fluid supply nozzle and a second regulating valve formaintaining a constant hydraulic fluid pressure on the hydraulic motor.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the first featured type wherein the mechanism forgenerating a cleaning fluid pressure comprises a fluid pump driven by apower take-off from the vehicles power train.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the above featured types including a heateradapted to heat the cleaning fluid contained in the fluid supply tankthereby permitting use of the vehicle in subfreezing weather conditions.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the above featured type wherein the heatercomprises a portion of the vehicles exhaust tubulation disposed adjacentthe cleaning fluid supply tank.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the above featured types including an auxiliary,electrically energized heater adapted upon energization to preventfreezing of the cleaning fluid during periods when the vehicle is not inuse.

Another feature of this invention is the provision in a refusecollection vehicle of the above featured types of an auxiliary supplytank adapted to be filled with a disinfectant fluid for sanitizing therubbish containers.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the above featured type including a compressorunit for pressurizing the disinfectant fluid in the auxiliary supplytank and an auxiliary supply nozzle for distributing the disinfectantfluid.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the next above featured type wherein the cleaningfluid supply nozzle is of the aspirator type and adapted upon actuationto combine and release the cleaning fluid supplied from the cleaningfluid supply tank and disinfectant fluid supplied from the auxiliarysupply tank.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refusecollection vehicle of the above featured types wherein the rubbishcontainer cleaning unit is mounted below the refuse receptacle portionof the vehicle and between the front and back wheels thereof therebypreventing any requirement for enlargement of the vehicles overallvolume.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more apparent upon a perusal of the following specification takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial side elevation of a refuse collection vehicleaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a preferred container cleaning unit foruse with the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic drawing of another preferred containercleaning unit; and

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic drawing of another preferred refusecontainer cleaning unit. of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown the refuse collection vehicle 11of the type commonly referred to as a compaction truck. The vehicle 11incudes the loading hopper 12 which is hydraulically lifted in theconventional manner to empty its contents into the refuse receptacleportion 13. Mounted below the receptacle portion 13 and between thevehicles front wheels 14 and rear wheels 15 is the rubbish containercleaning unit 17. The supply tank 18, adapted to be filled with asuitable cleaning fluid, for example water, and the fluid pressuregenerator 19 are the primary components of the cleaning unit 17.Connected to the fluid pressure generator 19 by a flexible a hose 21 isthe fluid supply nozzle 22 which is demountably supported by the supplytank 18.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed schematic drawing of the cleaning unit 17. Thefluid pressure generator 19 includes the hydraulic motor 23 operativelyconnected to the fluid pump 24- by the mechanical coupling 25. Connectedbetween the diverter valve 27 in the vehicles hydraulic fluid pressuresystem 28 and the hydraulic motor 23 is the constant pressure regulatingvalve 29. The hydraulic .fiuid pressure system 28 includes the reservoir31, the fluid pump 32 and the hydraulic fluid supply line 34 and returnline 33 which feed the hydraulic actuating cylinders (not shown) of theloading hopper 12 as well as other hydraulically operated equipment ofthe vehicle 11. The fluid pressure generator 19 also includes theconstant pressure regulating valve 35 and fluid pressure gauge 37connected to the outlet of the fluid pump 24.

The exhaust pipe 38 of the vehicle 11 includes a heater portion 39 whichis in heat exchanging contact with the bottom of supply tank 18. Also inheat exchanging contact with the supply tank 18 is the electricalheating coil 41 adapted for connection to a conventional electricalcurrent outlet (not shown).

During operation of the invention a driver stops the vehicle 11 adjacenta container filled with refuse to be collected. The container is theneither emptied into the loading hopper 12 or attached to the hopper soas to be lifted thereby. Discharge of the refuse contained in either thehopper 12 or attached refuse container (not shown) into the refusereceptacle portion 13 is accomplished in the normal manner by liftingand rotation of the hopper 12. The loading is accomplished with thediverter valve 27 set in a position for supplying hydraulic fluid fromthe hydraulic fluid pressure system 28 to the hydraulic actuatingcylinders (not shown) of the hopper 12.

After the refuse container has been emptied the position of the divertervalve 27 is altered to supply hydraulic fluid from the hydraulicpressure system 28 to the regulating valve 29. Switching of the divertervalve 27 preferably is done with an actuating lever (not shown) locatedon the exterior of the vehicle 11 and near the supply nozzle 22.Subsequently, the regulating valve 29 feeds hydraulic fluid to thehydraulic motor 23 via the supply line 42. Hydraulic fluid circulatingthrough the motor 23 and the excess hydraulic fluid discharged by theregulating valve 29 is returned to the reservoir 31 via the return lines43 and 44, respectively,

The hydraulic motor 23 drives the fluid pump 24 which pumps cleaningfluid under pressure from the supply tank to the nozzle 22 via supplylines 47, 48. The regulating valve 35 can be adjusted to provide anydesired constant fluid pressure at the nozzle 22 as indicated by thefluid pressure gauge 37. Excess cleaning fluid is returned by theregulating valve 35 to the supply tank 18 through the return line 49.

The operator then removes and manually points the nozzle 22 toward theportions of the substantially emptied refuse container which requirefurther cleaning. Actuation of the valve handle 51 on the nozzle 22opens the normally closed valve therein and releases from the nozzlemouth 52 a stream of cleaning fluid. The stream is directed against andeffects dislodgment and removal of the residue refuse remaining in thecontainer.

Thus the present invention makes possible a simple and thorough cleaningof each refuse container handled by the operator of the collectionvehicle. The fluid pressure generator 19 comprising the hydraulic motor23 and fluid pump 24 is easily capable of producing relatively highfluid pressures in the range, for example, of 150 lbs. per sq. in. Thissubstantial fluid pressure capacity is very important since the residuein an emptied container is frequently quite firmly attached so as tostubbornly resist removal. A further advantage is that the unit utilizesas a prime mover the hydraulic pressure system 28 which already existsin conventional compaction vehicles for actuation of their powerequipment. Accordingly, the additional cost required for the cleaningunit 17 is relatively small.

The exhaust tubulation heater portion 39 is also an important feature ofthe invention. Operation of the refuse collection vehicle 11 insubfreezing weather conditions would cause freezing of the cleaningliquid contained within the supply tank 18. Such an occurrence would, ofcourse, prevent the cleaning operations described above or require theaddition to the cleaning fluid of costly antifreeze materials. The heatprovided by the heater 39 prevents freezing of the cleaning fluid in anextremely simple and economic manner.

The auxiliary electrical heating coil 41 can be connected to aconventional electrical current outlet during periods when the vehicle11 is not in use. This will assure the operator of an effective cleaningfluid supply at the initiation of collection activites without arequirement for draining and refilling of the supply tank 18.

Also of substantial importance is the mounting of the cleaning unit 17below the refuse receptacle portion 13 and between the vehicles frontand rear Wheels 14 and 15. This volume is normally unoccupied in mostcommercial vehicles of this type. Thus the cleaning unit 17 can beinstalled and utilized without increasing the overall dimensions of thecollection vehicle 11. The significance of this feature is obvious whenone considers that hauling efficiency requires a large hauling capacitywhile practical operation requires that the overall dimensions of thevehicle 11 be limited to accommodate the confining boundaries ofbridges, doorways, alleyways, etc.

FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the cleaning unit 17 shown in FIG.2 with functionally similar components given the same referencenumerals. The only substantive changes are the addition of the auxiliarysupply tank 61 adjacent the cleaning fluid supply tank 18 and thesubstitution of a modified supply nozzle 62 which is of the aspiratortype. The nozzle 62 is connected for fluid communication with theauxiliary supply tank 61 by the flexible hose 63.

For operation of this embodiment the supply tank 18 is filled With aninexpensive cleaning fluid, for example water, and the auxiliary supplytank 61 is filled with a concentrated liquid disinfectant. The operatorcan elect to either actuate only the valve handle 64 of the nozzle 62and produce a high pressure stream of water or in applications requiringthe use of a disinfectant can elect to also actuate the aspiratorportion of the nozzle 62. The latter operation permits the high pressurewater stream to draw disinfectant liquid from the auxiliary tank 61 at apreselected rate. Combination by the nozzle 62 of the liquids from thesupply tank 18 and the auxiliary tank 61 produces a combined fluidstream having a desired disinfectant content and permits sterilizationof the rubbish containers.

FIG. 4 shows another cleaning unit embodiment of the invention withcomponents identical to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 given the samereference numerals. Driving the fluid pump 24 via the gear coupling 71is the drive shaft 72 which is connected to a power takeoff (not shown)of the vehicles power train (not shown). The pump 24 circulates cleaningfluid from the supply tank 18 to the nozzle 22 for use in the mannerdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 2. Also driven by the drive shaft 72via the gear coupling '73 is the motor-compressor unit '75. This unit isadapted upon actuation to pressurize the auxiliary supply tank '76 to agiven constant pressure determined by the pressure relief valve 77.Connected to the auxiliary supply tank 76 by the flexible hose 79 ismanually operated valve nozzle 78.

The operation of this device is similar to that shown in FIG. 2 exceptthat the vehicles power train rather than its hydraulic system isutilized to produce the fluid pressure at the nozzle 22 as well as todrive the motor-compressor unit 75. Preferably, the supply tank 18 isfllled with an inexpensive cleaning solution such as water and theauxiliary tank 76 is filled with a suitable liquid disinfectant. Theoperator of the vehicle can then select either the primary nozzle 22 orauxiliary nozzle 78 depending on whether washing or sterilization of thecontainer is desired.

Thus the auxiliary supply tanks 61 and 76 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 makepossible either washing or sterilization of the containers. This isimportant because in some applications sterilization is highly desirablewhile in others the less expensive water washing is completely adequate.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 has the additional advantage of allowing theuse of a concentrated disinfectant liquid for dosed combination with asupply of cleaning water. Thus the size of the auxiliary tank 61 can bemaintained at a minimum so as to reduce the over-all weight and volumeadded to the refuse collection vehicle 11.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. For example, theindividual features can be used in combinations other than those shown.Thus, the hydraulic motor 23 could be used with the embodiment of FIG. 2or a power take-off used with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. It is,therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claimsthe invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. A refuse collection apparatus comprising a vehicle adapted to receivecollected rubbish, said vehicle including a hydraulically operated liftmeans adapted to load rubbish into a rubbish receptacle portion, acleaning fluid supply tank mounted on said vehicle, a demountablecleaning fluid supply nozzle connected to said cleaning fluid supplytank by a flexible hose, a fluid pump adapted to pump fluid contained insaid fluid supply tank to said fluid supply nozzle, a hydraulic motormechanically coupled to drive said fluid pump, a hydraulic fluidpressure system operably connected to said hydraulic motor and to saidhydraulically operated lift means, and a diverter valve adapted in oneposition to supply hydraulic fluid from said hydraulic fluid pressuresystem to said hydraulically operated lift means and in a secondposition to supply hydraulic fluid from said hydraulic fluid pressuresystem to said hydraulic motor.

2. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidcleaning fluid supply nozzle includes a manually operated valve adaptedupon actuation to release pressurized cleaning fluid from said cleaningfluid supply nozzle.

3. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 1 including aregulating valve adapted to maintain a constant cleaning fluid pressureat said cleaning fluid supply nozzle.

4. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 3 including a secondregulating valve adapted to maintain a constant hydraulic fluid pressureon said hydraulic motor.

5. A rubbish collection apparatus according to claim 4 including anauxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank mounted on said vehicle, andauxiliary fluid supply means for dis- 6 tributing fluid from saidauxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank.

6. A rubbish collection apparatus according to claim 5 wherein saidauxiliary fluid supply means comprises a compressor means forpressurizing said. auxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank and an auxiliarycleaning fluid supply nozzle connected to said auxiliary cleaning fluidsupply tank by a flexible hose.

7. A rubbish collection apparatus according to claim 5 wherein saidauxiliary fluid supply means comprises an auxiliary flexible hose'connected between said auxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank and saidcleaning fluid supply nozzle, said cleaning fluid supply nozzle isadapted upon actuation to combine and release cleaning fluids suppliedfrom said cleaning fluid supply tank and said auxiliary cleaning fluidsupply tank.

8. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 1 including heatingmeans adapted to heat the cleaning fluid contained in said cleaningfluid supply tank.

9. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 8 wherein saidheating means comprises a portion of the vehicle exhaust tubulationdisposed adjacent said cleaning fluid supply tank.

It A rubbish collection apparatus according to claim 8 wherein saidheating means comprises an electrically energized heater adapted tosupply heat to said cleaning fluid supply tank.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vehicle is supportedby front and rear wheel assemblies, said vehicle includes a receptacleportion adapted to receive collected rubbish, and said fluid supply tankis mounted under said receptacle portion and between said front and rearwheels.

12. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 11 including aregulating valve adapted to maintain a con stant cleaning fluid pressureat said cleaning fluid supply nozzle.

13. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 11 includingheating means adapted to heat the cleaning fluid contained in saidcleaning fluid supply tank.

14. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 13 wherein saidheating means comprises a portion of the vehicle exhaust tubulationdisposed adjacent said cleaning fluid supply tank.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,897,165 2/ 1933 Endacott et al239-129 X 1,984,851 12/1934 Vinz 239-426 2,555,640 5/1951 Garretson10387 2,903,189 9/1959 Patton 239129 3,037,707 5/1962 Ligon 239-127 X3,140,049 7/ 1964 Norstrud et a1 239-126 3,219,275 11/1965 Green 239-1723,291,144 12/1966 Diamond 134-115 X 3,317,142 5/ 1967 Casale 239130 M.HENSON WOOD, JR., Primary Examiner. VAN C. WHJKS, Assistant Examiner.

